I love dresses. Love, love, love. I however do not love bare legs. My thighs touch. I eat calorie-loaded sweets occasionally. I don’t go to the gym nearly enough. And I HATE the way it feels when my thighs touch. Not cool. At all. Don’t get me wrong; I have no problems with the way my legs look. I’m no size 2 and I know it. I own it. But the whole thigh thing drives me bonkers. So I enjoy leggings. And tights. Cool weather is perfect for these things.

There are however numerous things I love about the summer. Fruit, vegetables, eating outside on a cool night, watching my dog try to cook himself in the backyard. And no hassle, delicious, sandwiches with wonderfully fruity cocktails. Love me some cocktails.

I’m a big fan of a good sandwich. I think it’s an all too often terribly done concept. There are so many amazing things you can do with sandwiches. Sweet or savory, bread or wrap, hot or cold.

This sandwich is one of my favorites. This bread makes this sandwich. It’s soooo good. You can just toast this bread and slather it with butter or cream cheese and it’s still amazing. It’s from a local vendor called Riverbend Farm Bakery. Alas, no website or I would link to it. It’s cheddar and onion bread. It’s completely out of this world. They make rolls too. I’m drooling right now.

I made a couple of sandwiches with it and then decided on the perfect combination.

It involves the grill. And avocados. And a side of potatoes and carrots. No recipe needed here. It’s a sandwich. The potatoes and carrots are just that, with butter, salt and pepper and thyme.

I took this bread and a slice of cheese and turkey and grilled it. Trust this. It’s worth it.

Then I slathered it with mayo.

Next came the sliced tomatoes, avocado, bacon, and lettuce.

I can think of about 10 other things that would be delicious on this sandwich too, but decided not to overwhelm it.

Make some sandwiches this summer. Keep the oven off and the house cool. And then eat two in a row. Just because you can. Throw some potatoes and carrots on the grill too and it’s pretty much perfection.

And don’t forget a delicious cocktail. It is summer after all. For this one I made strawberry infused rum. Sooooo delicious. Short cut to strawberry mojito land. Mint. Club soda.

Strawberry infused rum. A few fresh berries. If you need some extra sweetness throw in some agave nectar.Oh my god delicious. The perfect companion on a summer night.Drink up.

Strawberry Rum

Ingredients

1 pint fresh strawberries

Bottle of your favorite rum

Directions

1. Chop strawberries. Halved or quartered works best depending on the size of the berry. Find a glass jar or bottle large enough to fit all of the berries. Fill jar with berries. Fill jar with enough rum to cover all berries. Cap tightly. Store in a dark place for at least 3 days and up to a week, agitating daily.

2. Once your ready to use the rum, strain out the berries. They will have lost all their color. You may be tempted to use them for something else. I don’t recommend it. They are extremely alcoholic and not sweet at all. Store in the refrigerator in an air tight glass jar for up to a month.

3. Turn your rum into mojito deliciousness. Take about 10 mint leaves and the juice of 1 lime. Muddle together in a mortar and pestle. It you don’t have one a large wooden spoon and a glass works too. Mix mint and lime mixture with a shot of strawberry rum, club soda and a tablespoon of agave nectar. Drink it up.